The Last Hawk

"Powerful characterization and intriguing scientific concepts . . . an elegant subtlety and a far-reaching sense of destiny that carries [Asaro] to the highest rank of master storyteller." —Romantic Times
Reeling from a battle, pilot Kelric Valdoria crash-lands his Jag starfighter on Coba, the closest safe planet he can find after a Trader squad cripples his ship. Although the military of Kelric's people have given Coba Restricted status, Kelric sees no reason for such draconian measures to isolate the seemingly benign world.
While recovering, the dashing Kelric becomes the target of affection for high-powered women in Coba's matriarchal society, including Deha Dahl, an Estate Manager, and young Ixpar Karn, the chosen successor of the Minister. Distracted by their flirtations, Kelric doesn't at first realize the Restricted status of the planet was their own choice—and that they can't risk letting him go.
However, Kelric's internal...